Mr Spock

I've yet to see it this big (new mount doesn't arrive until the end of Oct). The last time was I think 2012. It looked spectacular in the 250mm Newt I had then. Lots of detail and a crisp polar cap. Can't wait to get the new scope on it (150mm Mak).

Hi, welcome to SGL If you can't fit another finder, like a 6x30, then the best suggestion is a low power eyepiece. A 32mm Plössl would give x31 and allow you to see about 1.7° - enough to locate faint objects but wide enough to align with the red dot. Of course you'll need to point the red dot in the right place. If you have it aligned correctly all you need is a good sky chart. I use Cartes du Ciel but many use Stellarium - it's just down to personal preference.

For £2k you are well beyond what would normally considered a beginner's outfit and could get something much more advanced. I'd suggest something like this https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-200p-ds-ota.html (with a coma corrector for imaging and wide field), a suitable mount, https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-heq5-pro-synscan.html along with some decent eyepieces for visual use. You'd have a complete set up which could do almost anything.

It all depends on the seeing conditions. I used to have Skywatcher 250mm Newt. I mainly used to keep it to around x200. I had a few good nights where I could use a 4mm eyepiece to get x300. One very memorable night looking at Mars at x300 not repeated since.

Hi Andy, welcome to SGL

Hi Rez, welcome to SGL

I have one which shines into the garden. Fortunately I have a shed to get behind.

Hi, welcome to SGL

If the Barlow is the type with the elements all in a nose piece, you can unscrew the nose piece and screw it on to the diagonal instead. It's worth a try.

I've only seen it at one star party I went to. First through a low power 100mm refractor + filter, then parts of it through a 20" Dob. I'd say the dark sky made the difference. Through the 100mm it was really obvious. I'm sure the filter contributed but have no idea what it was.

Really good for a quick snap!

I use Thinsulate type. I have two pairs: some old and tatty Peter Storm Thinsulate 40g gloves which have a palm patch for driving; last year I added a pair of Berghaus. I find them warm enough but also thin enough to grasp things.

Hi, welcome to SGL

Hi, welcome to SGL

I like the movement in that. Very nice!